Bicycle torque wrench

[Greenlawnracing]

When it comes to tools for my bicycle, I’m almost exclusive to park tool. If you’re not familiar with them, they are one of the more premium brands in this space.

I’m in need of a torque wrench, and was going to go to my default manufacture. However I did a quick search for reviews, and I believe this is actually a rebranded generic wrench. With that in mind, I am open to other options.

I’m in need of something with similar specifications. Any recommendations?

https://www.parktool.com/product/ratcheting-click-type-torque-wrench-tw-5-2

 

[neitzel]

Effetto Mariposa looks to make some pretty good quality cycling tools.

 

[The Cobbler]

Wow, I guess cycling has become advanced. never would have thought they were that sophisticated . learn everyday

 

[Greenlawnracing]

As I have slow down on motorcycle racing, I have quickly learned that cycling is just as expensive. Who would’ve guessed

If there is one thing I have learned from my short time on this planet, you can make any hobby expensive

 

[FordFanatic]

I did a bit of research before settling on these 2 Tekton 1/4 inch drive wrenches:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M12284X/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C5ZL2EG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Bought both because of the different ranges covered and happy with them. The Park torque wrenches are very nice but have the larger 3/8 drive and significantly more expensive.

Cheers,
Tim

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I bought a 1/4" drive Tekton for working on mountain bikes and it's been great. The range is perfect for bikes, it has inch lbs and Nm scales, and comes in a nice soft case. Taiwan quality is a step up from Chinese ****. In my opinion, the Tekton is better suited for bike work than the Park. Granted, there are times I need to grab a bigger torque wrench (just did a cassette that was out of its range), but it does 99% of what a bicycle calls for. Get a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter to keep with the wrench.

Edit: FordFanatic read my mind. I went with the 10-150 in lbs.

 

[richfinn]

Yep, I like Norbar torque wrenches (a Snap On company now I believe).

They will have something suitable in that range

I really like them because the torque setting is very easy to read and set, and at low torque values that is critical

 

[farmall400]

The last bike I bought came with this set up but branded with the bike name. It's been pretty good so far. I'll admit I never used a torque wrench on any my bikes before I got this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Zoagear-1-4-Bike-Bicycle-Torque-Wrench-Tool-2-15Nm-w-9-Socket-bits-Black/293492973943?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item44558b6177:g:KJ4AAOSw2T9eVotn&enc=AQAFAAACcBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%2Fn%2BzU5L90Z278x5ickkvjzWOStkxwnlDuxSI1PVVhXpDdu1nSSDAKIgmEmn%2FgoPh3DAoRMZBcwtfjpNrKN%2BZQR5BBrCsCZOYC4V3Ua86BXPlfns1UP%2B1Q6VD3ljT93h%2B6XqCTCsix7XnFyJAlK0KdswZIKpGRoVTk1BmqG16paYPgOpYyTlwLeG2H4PunJnSwbQoi6fNZWFRw%2BF62muNQQ4beEjHUshVVhaFGRaze7Zt10ZmtcmYO8WykYKx%2FdjwoZ60YMOVdlwgOizcK77wj66OXuccDXWmdQLbTxedmj4sgAQlULhPQABtNTmG7UAsrUwsMirYdxKVxVBYfcsYQ06XAx%2FX4chM7SFlUl7o5aM9VuJeeDPwsYLFa0Ar23tnjToHeZsDyYDwj3Qjhi2XwcuT3D4fkPhJ7YaemHMouxTGFk7JwBbqlQc9jmFkMX4IYiaAEx6Mc7wmbRjp4lNV8NvM9%2FF8S39PJQXmnRTChR5QcaXh%2BRJtz%2FZZSFClC8KmDp0sHn2a%2FfvySkcp16LGG7NVnGgQOjWAJvtY40kgaJPm%2FKxzbp1OJlYZ6bcU%2FjBo6WSsOHDnTe1XYwbcUVrQqhRp3CdQyHUK8Ujt13DOZuHsAwttqjW6ql2Ab6gTgoqDRwAD6NqNhUZfo%2BgZseKinTQ5kmIJF01K0o2THbU76%2F4HdEWgX2mhdOGEPAGHK%2BIz1b%2Fimqu5FwF%2FAdIDO%2F8kAtmHrs1BI%2BuPq2NBOs3ohXOtF8uwElv3Cpx5OcoZlE4UdgeHF7Gdw0GdpTL6z%2B0Vk%2FPvNlg3fWcWLvFBCrUUg%3D%3D&checksum=293492973943057c7e21aa254d6eb295c10a5eb0b26a

 

[todd_fuller]

I use a CDI Torquecontrol adjustable torque tool. Covers most of the necessary values, 2 to 8Nm in 0.1Nm increments. I think it's ~$55.

Only issue I have with it, is it's one way. I have a single left handed insert that holds the top of the rear shock eyelet in which I can't use it for.

 

[4xdog]

We've had several recent discussions on this topic. Here's one of 'em:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=424173

 

[rlitman]

Wow, I guess cycling has become advanced. never would have thought they were that sophisticated . learn everyday

Advanced? When I worked in a bike repair shop in the early '90's, we used a 3/8" Snap On torque wrench for a handful of operations.

Nowadays, whenever carbon fiber enters the fray, torque wrenches are an absolute necessity. The difference between sufficiently tight and crunch on a clamp for a carbon fiber handlebar for example is well under the tolerances of finger feel.

 

[Jazz1]

Advanced? When I worked in a bike repair shop in the early '90's, we used a 3/8" Snap On torque wrench for a handful of operations.

Nowadays, whenever carbon fiber enters the fray, torque wrenches are an absolute necessity. The difference between sufficiently tight and crunch on a clamp for a carbon fiber handlebar for example is well under the tolerances of finger feel.

I learned something today and the day is early

 

[rlitman]

I learned something today and the day is early

Bicycles have ALWAYS been on the cutting edge of weight reduction by pushing the limits of fasteners and components. It's one reason why the Wright brothers were positioned perfectly for their achievements.

 

[slowtwitch73]

I have the Pro Bike Gear wrench, and it is very nice.. also comes with a full compliment of bits. Shimano is involved with this wrench in some way.. if it's good enough for Shimano, it's good enough more me. I also considered Park.

Yes, used to be the only thing that (vaguely) necessitated a TW was the cranks. Now with carbon fiber, increasingly smaller fasteners, dropper posts, pivots bolts/nuts, etc etc a TW is nice to have.

 

[4xdog]

I have the Pro Bike Gear wrench, and it is very nice.. also comes with a full compliment of bits. Shimano is involved with this wrench in some way...

Shimano distributes the PRO line of bike tools. Yes, they're normally pretty good.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Ever consider Tohnichi torque wrenches?

They make excellent quality, durable torque wrenches in various sizes.

Yes a bit expensive $ but money well worth spent. Always remember, you get what you pay for....you pay cheap....you get cheap.

https://www.tohnichi.com/torque-wrench.htm


If price $ is not a factor and willing to spend a bit more you can always check out products from this place.. https://www.effettomariposa.eu/en/?s=torque+wrench&post_type=product

 

[bradleykd]

I have one of these Wiha torque screwdrivers. Goes from 2-8nm. I love it for my bikes. Anything more than 8nm isn't really that big of deal to use a torque wrench on other than bottom brackets, those you'll need a bigger torque wrench for anyway.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002R0EI2C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

For stems, top caps, handlebars, and seat posts you'll be in the 4-5nm range anyway (if we are talking carbon).

 

[Krokodil]

I have a small Norbar 1/4” drive that works really well on my bicycles. I use a bit socket and hex bits in it.

Just take note that one will probably not cover all your needs. I think my small one goes to about 10Nm. This is good for stems, seatposts, etc. Chainring and crankarm bolts often go to 40-60Nm. For that I use one of my automotive torque wrenches.

I actually have another Parktool T-handle torque wrench with set values for (I think) 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5. Very handy to keep on the counter.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Also of note, the Park TW's are made in Taiwan. They get some dicey reviews fwiw. Nothing against Park.. I have bought scads of their tools over decades. I think it's easy to assume all Park tools are USA made, therefore the price is justified.

 

[1cargarage]

I used to default to Park Tool. MOST of their stuff is just fine. A decent portion of their line (mainly most recent additions) falls short of awesome imho.

Once I finally got a groupset and frame that truly warranted a torque wrench, I eventually settled on the

NORBAR #13285
1/4" Square Drive, 1-20Nm, Click style
Paid ~$110 in 2016

It covered all my needs and the QC certificate it came with showed impressive accuracy and precision (+- 0.1Nm)

Since I bought it (~2016), NORBAR was acquired by Snap-On but as far as I know they're still putting out great torque wrenches (Made in England).

 

[1cargarage]

Also of note, the Park TW's are made in Taiwan. They get some dicey reviews fwiw. Nothing against Park.. I have bought scads of their tools over decades. I think it's easy to assume all Park tools are USA made, therefore the price is justified.

Yeah, it was easy to assume MADE-IN-USA for decades. Every year though, a good portion of the new tools they introduce come from overseas.

To be fair though, I wouldn't expect a company like park to make a torque wrench in-house and expect it to be as nice as top-tier torque wrenches at a competitive price. Especially since they know they're dealing with bike mechanics who on average, high volume repair shops notwithstanding, aren't going to shell out the dollars for such a niche tool.

 

[Krokodil]

That is the exact same one that I have. Norbar is the biggest torque wrench manufacturer in the world as far as I know. OEM rebrands for many other companies.

 

[richfinn]

You cant go wrong with Norbar, solid tools built to last and reasonable pricing, my ancient 330 has passed its annual calibration check without fail for 10 years plus

Note the little window for setting the Torque, much easier to see than your typical engraved micrometer type scale

 

[Greenlawnracing]

Hell. A hell of a not more info than I expected. It appears that I have overcomplicated a simple purchase, unfortunately that is not uncommon for me.

The Norbar appears to be a decent choice. What is the difference between these two? One states Newton Meters and inch pounds, the other states just Newton Meters. As the two obviously covert, I'm pretty confused. Does one simply not have readings for both?

https://www.norbar.com/products/vie.../category_multid/50/range_multid/309/id/11382

https://www.norbar.com/products/vie.../category_multid/50/range_multid/309/id/23398

 

[Krokodil]

A number of their models come in different variants with different markings. Some multiple scales.

 

[richfinn]

Hell. A hell of a not more info than I expected. It appears that I have overcomplicated a simple purchase, unfortunately that is not uncommon for me.

The Norbar appears to be a decent choice. What is the difference between these two? One states Newton Meters and inch pounds, the other states just Newton Meters. As the two obviously covert, I'm pretty confused. Does one simply not have readings for both?

https://www.norbar.com/products/vie.../category_multid/50/range_multid/309/id/11382

https://www.norbar.com/products/vie.../category_multid/50/range_multid/309/id/23398

The simpler the better, if your bike or bikes are metric just go with the N/M wrench

I haven't used imperial torque settings since the 1980s
when we still saw a smattering of British Leylands that hadn't completely rotted away!!!

I guess USA built bicycles might not be metric??

 

[Greenlawnracing]

Where in the hell do you buy Norbar? All I see is eBay, one with $30 shipping on Amazon, and allegedly a local tire supply place is a dealer.

 

[slowtwitch73]

I guess USA built bicycles might not be metric??

Surprisingly, they are all marked with at least metric.. some components provide both. American parts manufacturers are Johnny come lately as compared to Asian and European, so industry seems a bit more up to speed with metric than some others.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

What in the heck? I came back to look at some links and buy a freaking wrench, but several posts are missing?

 

[Samuel D]

What in the heck? I came back to look at some links and buy a freaking wrench, but several posts are missing?

Including mine that certainly didn’t break forum rules. Hmm.

 

[1cargarage]

Indeed. Quite a few missing...

 

[Greenlawnracing]

Indeed. Quite a few missing...

Well poop. Thats a lot of research for nothing! Going back, it appears that its either the Pro if one wants good reviews at only $50, or the Norbar 13833 for the top shelf option. Loved the CDI, but apparently they don't make a 4-20 NMish 3/8th drive wrench.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

I just remembered that my old boss gave me a small Snap On torque wrench, ironically as a wedding gift. I've never used it.

Went to look at it - damn! It is 10 - 50 inch pounds, quite a bit less than I'd ever need.

 

[ptgarcia]

These CDIs just arrived yesterday. One is 10-50 in-lbs like your Snap-on, the other 50-250 in-lbs. Both are 1/4" drive, though. These are quite nice. If you find one with the specs you're looking for you won't be disappointed with the quality.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

My word this has been a challenge. I'm about to buy a cheap Pro and be done!

Pro torque tool was less than helpful. Just didn't know the product well. He suggested this:

https://www.protorquetools.com/3-8-...nm-norbar-sl0-adjustable-torque-wrench-11087/

What is the difference between it and this?

https://www.norbar.com/products/vie.../category_multid/50/range_multid/309/id/23398

Looks like an SL0 and a TT series, but I'm unsure of the difference. As was he.

He also told me that the CDI 1502 MRH would have the scale I needed.....5nm, 8 nm, etc. But from the (stock) photo, I think it is primarily inch pounds and converts to NM? Therefore it will be readings like 4.8, 9.1, etc?

 

[Krokodil]

I have had a SL0 before and now a TT model. Prefer the TT.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

I have had a SL0 before and now a TT model. Prefer the TT.

What is the difference between the two?

 

[Qualitytools]

I used to default to Park Tool. MOST of their stuff is just fine. A decent portion of their line (mainly most recent additions) falls short of awesome imho.

Once I finally got a groupset and frame that truly warranted a torque wrench, I eventually settled on the

NORBAR #13285
1/4" Square Drive, 1-20Nm, Click style
Paid ~$110 in 2016

It covered all my needs and the QC certificate it came with showed impressive accuracy and precision (+- 0.1Nm)

Since I bought it (~2016), NORBAR was acquired by Snap-On but as far as I know they're still putting out great torque wrenches (Made in England).

I purchase that Norbar about 5 years ago with a 3/8 drive for the low torque on aluminum components on my BMW with low torque range. I have had the same experience, with precision and accuracy, excellent tool, great quality. Highly recommend the Norbar torque wrenches. Some of you are asking where to buy it, I purchased mine from Amazon UK

 

[Stuart in MN]

What in the heck? I came back to look at some links and buy a freaking wrench, but several posts are missing?

There was a server issue the other day that unfortunately caused some posts to be lost: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/announcement.php?f=3&a=9

 

[GirchyGirchy]

Ever consider Tohnichi torque wrenches?

They make excellent quality, durable torque wrenches in various sizes.

We use Tohnichi clickers in our engine assembly plant. They're the ****.

Personally, I use two beam styles on my bikes, the small Park TW-1 0-7 Nm and a Craftsman 0-100 Nm. I feel they're well suited for bike work. I use the clickers for car work - a small 1/4" Armstrong and three Snap-Ons.